World Gym 4 Goal Tournament

Tournament Standings

Necktie          1   0    d Alpha Omega

La Fortuna     1   0    d Boss/Ocean

Bearsden        1   0    d Sullivan

Exit                1   0    d Bitchstix

La Serena       1   0    d Breva

Alpha Omgea   0   1    l Necktie

Boss/Ocean    0   1    l La Fortuna

Sullivan          0   1    l Bearsden

Bitchstix         0   1    l Exit

Breva              0   1    l La Serena 

Santa Barbara Polo & Twin Palms Victorious in Women’s B & C Flights

B Flight

The Women’s Challenge B Flight (12 Goals) final featured Santa Barbara Polo 11 (Judith Baker, Melanja Jones 3, Cory Williams 4, Mia Bray 4), GK Farms/ Bill Gumma 10 (Jessica Keneally, Jessica Bailey 5, Athena Malin 3, Sierra Dunbar 2) and Rancho Del Sol 12 (Julie Reeske, Karen Reese 5, Jennifer Alexy 4, Megan Flynn 3) in a Round Robin format.

Played in front of the lunch crowd at the ever popular Eldorado Cantina, the first ‘game’ saw Santa Barbara line up against GK Farms. Having to give up a half goal based on the handicap difference, the ocean front crew wasted little time and scored three goals to none for GK in the first on two goals from Jones (one #2) and a single from Bray. Jones counted another open goal opportunity in the early second frame and now led by 3 ½ at 4 – ½. Malin got GK started later on in that second period with a pair of goals but that would be it as Santa Barbara won by a score of 4 – 2 ½.

Having lost the first ‘game’, GK stayed on the field to face Rancho Del Sol. Starting with a handicap grant of a half goal, GK grabbed an early lead with Malin (her third in a row) and Bailey counting a field goal each. Flynn replied by converting an open goal award from 15 yards to come within 1 ½ and GK led going to the second chukker. Alexy scored for Rancho Del Sol in the early second to come within a ½ goal but foul issues cost them as Keneally (#2) and Bailey (#4) scored free hits that gave a 4 ½ – 2 win to GK.

The third contest of the round robin was set as Santa Barbara were back out to play Ranch Del Sol. Based on the handicap totals, the first ‘game’ winners would now receive a half goal. With goals from Jones in the first and Williams in the second and no replies from Ranch Del Sol, Santa Barbara won with the count at 2 ½ – 0.

With their two victories, Santa Barbara Polo became the B Flight Champions. GK Farms/Bill Gumma finished in second spot and Rancho Del Sol were third.

With very steady and influential play, Bray was selected as the MVP and Blanca, owned and played by Williams in the fourth was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

C Flight

The C Flight championship game was contested by Twin Palms 5 (Abby Papka 1, Violetta Escapite, Becky Gonzalez 1, Mia Bray 4) and the MK Ponytail Warriors 4 (Susan Guggenheim 2, Libby Fogal, Victoria Halliday 1, Micaela Saracco 1).

Receiving a handicap of ½ goal, the Warriors started quickly as Fogal (on a run from the initial bowl-in) and Halliday scored to jump out to a 2 ½ point cushion. Escapite scored for Twin Palms to narrow the lead to 1 ½ goals after the first.

Gonzalez and Papka each counted penalty #2 awards in the second and third chukkers to give Twin Palms a lead of ½ going to the final.

Neither team was able to score in the forth and Twin Palms earned the narrow victory.

By understanding where to be in many situations, Papka earned the title of Most Valuable Player to her team and Seductora, owned by Juan Jose Gonzalez and played by Becky Gonzalez in the second was considered to be the Best Playing Pony.

Tong Gregg

Alazanas Foxi Defends USPA Women’s Challenge Title

With strong offensive play and an equally tough defensive game, Alazanas Foxi won their second - in as many years - USPA Pacific Coast Women’s Challenge/WCT Qualifier by a final score of 5 – 4 over Carol Farnsworth’s Bearsden group.

The winners went on to the field – in front of a large and energetic Cantina crowd – with a similar lineup to last year’s quartet. Kate Weber 4, Malia McCoy 5 and Jessica Bailey 5 added Jennifer Alexy 4 to the mix which resulted in a huge front end presence that ultimately made the difference. Lining up with Farnsworth 2, were Tiffany Busch 6, Caroline Anier 5 and Tiamo Hudspeth 5.

Busch opened up the scoring with an impressive penalty number 4 conversion, but field goals by Bailey and Alexy - with a wonderful run -  gave Alazanas Foxy a lead of one after one.

The second saw scoring split with Weber and Anier – deflecting a Busch penalty 4 shot – each getting one and the defending champions led by one at the half at 3 – 2.

Scoring was again split in the third frame as Alexy converted a 40 yard free shot – to give Alazanas Foxi a bulge of two - and Anier counted her second and the lead remained just one going to the final chukker of regulation at 4 – 3.

Busch scored from the field to tie the count at four in the fourth and it appeared that a tie-breaker might be necessary. Not to be however as Alexy nailed a penalty 4 effort to grab the winner and the title.

With her ability to advance the play to the front end and her equally strong defensive capabilities, Bailey earned the title of MVP. Taxi, owned and played by Alexy in the first, was selected as the Best Playing Pony. The prestigious Sunny Hale Horsemanship Award went to Bailey.

Tony Gregg

USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Women's Challenge

USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Women's Challenge
December 27 - 29

A FLIGHT
ALAZANUS FOXI (18) – Jennifer Alexy 4, Kate Weber 4, Malia McCoy 5, Jessica Bailey 5
BEARSDEN (18) – Carol Farnsworth 2, Tiffany Busch 6, Tiamo Hudspeth 5, Caroline Anier 5

A-Flight SCHEDULE
Teams will play two games. One on Friday and one on Sunday.
Winner will be team with most goals after both games have been played

B FLIGHT
Bracket 1
CALIFORNIA POLO CLUB (12) – Jemma Contreras 2, Kim Garsed 2, Kristen Ludwig 3, Molly Agee 5
OHANA POLO/SOMERSET (12) – Erin Britton 2, Heidi Clark 1, Dayelle Fargey 6, Devin Cox 3T
SANTA BARBARA POLO CLUB (11) – Melania Jones 3, Judith Baker, Cory Williams 4, Mia Bray 4

Bracket 2
CENTRAL COAST POLO (11) – Maggie Papka 1, Shannon Mendez 2, Heather Lake 5, Francesca Finato 3
LUNCH $/SAYULITA (12) – Elizabeth Cunningham 1, Julie Fernandez 2, Tiamo Hudspeth 5, Jenny Vargas 4
GK FARMS/BILL GUMMA (10) – Jessica Keneally, Jessica Bailey 5, Athena Malin 3, Sierra Dunbar 2

Bracket 3
RANCHO DEL SOL (12) – Julie Reeske, Karen Reese 5, Jennifer Alexy 4, Megan Flynn 3
SUTTER BUTTES (12) – Bonnie Magill 2, Raeann Magill 2, Cybelle Jordan 4, Roxy Keyfauver 4

B-Flight SCHEDULE
Friday Dec 27
California Polo vs Ohana/Somerset vs Santa Barbara Polo
Central Coast vs Lunch Money/Sayulita vs GK Farms
Rancho Del Sol vs Sutter Buttes

Three winners will play Sunday Dec 29 Final. Three runners-up will play consolation round robin on Saturday. Two third place teams will play consolation game on Saturday

C FLIGHT

TWIN PALMS (5) – Mia Bray 4, Violeta Escapite, Becky Gonzalez 1, Abby Papka.
MK PONYTAIL WARRIORS (4) – Susan Guggenheim 2, Libby Fogel, Victoria Halliday 1, Micaela Saracco 1

Teams will play two games. One on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Winner will be team with most goals after both games have been played.

Linfoot Polo Clinic December 14 & 15

Brush up on your skills leading into the winter season with Corky & Kathy Linfoot, Honorary USPA Certified Polo Instructors with 20+ years of teaching experience

2020 Season Schedule

USPA FALL BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING

he 2019 USPA Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting along with committee and LLC meetings will be held October 16-19 at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California. The Palm Springs International Airport is the closest major airport to fly into and it is a 30-minute drive to the hotel. Committee and LLC meetings will be held on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18. The Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting will take place on Saturday, October 19. The USPA is planning several social events to highlight and recognize local polo clubs. In addition, the USPA would like to welcome all members and Delegates to stay for a Delegate Forum on Sunday, October 20. USPA Club Delegates are offered a $750 meeting travel reimbursement for attending.

Guests may call 1-800-598-3828 and refer to the USPA Annual Meeting or by Code ZUSP after selecting dates within the contracted nights. You may also book your room at the following link: https://book.passkey.com/go/USPolo2019. If you have any questions please contact meetings@uspolo.org.

Click here for the 2019 Fall Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting Schedule.

USPA Governor-At-Large Elections

The Governor-At-Large voting ballots has been provided to all American USPA members, online voting is requested and needs to be completed on or before August 20, 2019. 

This year we have two candidates from the Pacific Coast Circuit running for election; Christopher Maloney of Twin Palms Polo and Vicky Owens of Empire Polo Club. It is important to Eldorado Polo Club that we have strong West Coast representation in the USPA and we encourage members to vote for these candidates. To clarify the voting procedure, each member may register 11 votes on their ballot, but members can also opt to vote for just these two candidates if they wish to not also award positive votes to other competing candidates.

Two years ago, the Pacific Coast Circuit followed this suggestion for our candidates, Denny Geiler & Scott Walker, we were successful in securing their elections seat and rewarded with their service.

USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor Dan Walker's election recommendations:

1. Julio Arellano – Current Governor At Large.
2. Steve Armour – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
3. Chrys Beal – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
4. Mike Carney – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
5. Jim DeAngelis – No Comment
6. Tom Gose – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
7. Chris Green – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
8. Chris Maloney – A business man, plays polo at various polo clubs, a patron, I anticipate Chris will be an active positive Board Member, possible Executive Committee Member. RECOMMEND
9. Vicky Owens - RECOMMEND – Polo Manager of Empire Polo Club. Active in the USPA, I anticipate Vicky will be an active positive Board Member. RECOMMEND
10. Peter Rizzo – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member. RECOMMEND
11. Robin Sanchez – We are familiar with Robin for her work and accomplishments in the Arena Polo and Women’s polo, a positive to the growth of new membership.
12. Charles Smith – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A valued member, but decline to vote for Charles because he has been nominated for USPA Secretary. When he becomes Secretary, he will need to resign his Governor At Large seat and the Chairman can then arrange for another individual to fill the seat.
13. Cecilia Cochran – No Comment
14. Pam Flanagan – No Comment
15. Peter Poor – Current Governor At Large – Active participant and has accepted Committee member assignments. A long time member that should be substituted out. Historical knowledge but lacks participation on behalf of the USPA membership.
16. Diego Fernando Flores DVM – Dr. Flores from the Border Circuit represents his circuit and club with good membership, good polo programs and proactive membership growth, but continues to be in litigation with the USPA which provides him a conflict of interest as a Governor At Large.
17. Robert McCloskey – For me, this is a NO vote. Bob has a conflict of interest in serving and believes that the accumulated funds in the USPA account should be disbursed to the USPA membership. Bob continues to fight and interrupt any and all actions of the USPA Board of Governors when he occupied a seat on the Board of Governors. I am unfamiliar with any member of the current Board of Governors that would recommend Robert McCloskey for a seat.

If any member has a question or concern, I am available to you. It continues to be my pleasure to represent and work on behalf of the Pacific Coast Circuit. Thank you for trusting in me.

Daniel K. Walker

2020 Season Survey

Bush League Wins Governor's Cup

BUSH LEAGUE - Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Jose Rodriguez, Ulysses Escapite

The final game of the 2019 USPA Pacific Coast Governor's Cup - with $7,500 for the winners and $2500 to the runners-up) featured two team names that had been there before. Bush League's Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson saddled up for their third finals appearance in four years and Cheryl Schindel had played in the 2015 decider.

The start was fast for the Centurions (Cheryl Schindel -.5, Luis Saracco 3, Ignacio Saracco 2, Santiago Mendez 1.5) as Ignacio Saracco scored in the first 90 seconds to give the Grand Prairie, Alberta group a lead of one. However, that would be their only lead of the afternoon as Bush League (Virgil Kyle .5, Ryan Robertson .5, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1) came back quickly to apply pressure that resulted in a Robertson penalty three conversion followed by a field goal from Escapite. The first was over and the country boys led 2 - 1.

The Romans got even in the second frame as Luis Saracco scored on a penalty two award but Bush League's Escapite nailed a penalty four strike to again lead by one at the half (3 - 2).

Ignacio Saracco scored his second field goal in the early third period to again tie the count. Rodriguez then counted a pair of well earned field goals and Robertson scored his second open goal opportunity - a spot penalty two - and the third was over with country boys up by three (6 - 3).

In the fourth, Rodriguez scored his third of the contest and the Bush League lead was now four goals at 7 - 3. With the Centurions needing to score five unanswered goals to win, time - not to mention a strong Bush league defence - was a big factor. Luis Saracco was able to count a pair of field goals but it wasn't nearly enough and Bush league won their second Governor's Cup title in three years - with the identical lineup.

With his "nose in every play", Rodriguez was the obvious choice as the MVP and Ygritte, owned by Kyle and played by Rodriguez in the third was selected as the Best Playing Pony.

On an afternoon that was presented by Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Ed Adams, Master of Whisky, and representing Oban & Lagavulin presnted the victors with bottles of Oban.

The Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit, Danny Walker, presented the trophies and checks to both teams.

Tony Gregg

CENTURIONS - Cheryl Schindel, Ignacio Saracco, Luis Saracco, Topo Mendez

BEST PLAYING PONY - YGRITTE Played by Jose Rodriguez owned by Virgil Kyle

Highwood Wins Rossmore Decisively

HIGHWOOD - Ron Mathison, Francisco Rodriguez-Mera, Marcos Llambias, Marcelo Abbiati

The format of the Polo Skins Game, played in conjuction with the USPA Rossmore Cup, allows that on occasion, the number of chukkers won can be even and, at the same time, one team can win the overall count by many goals.

Such was the case on Sunday afternoon, March 24th - presented by Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky - as Ben Soleimani's Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Remi Du Celliee Muller 3, Tomi Alberdi 4) and Canadian Ron Matherson's Highwood (Ron Matherson, Marcelo Rodriguez-Abbiati 4, Marcos Llambias 4, Francisco Rodriguez-Mera 4) met in the 25th annual Skins contest with each team winning three chukkers - to split the $30,000 available - and Highwood winning the Rossmore Cup by a final count of 13 - 8.

In front of a typical Skins crowd - huge with a party atmosphere - and on a perfect afternoon, the first period saw the early money going to Highwood as Rodriguez-Abbiati and Llambias scored field goals with an open goal reply from Bensoleimani.com's Alberdi with a spot hit from inside thirty yards. Highwood $5000 and a Rossmore lead at 2- 1.

The second frame featured extremely tight play with three penalty three coversions - a pair from the Soleimani group's Alberdi and a single from Highwood's Rodriguez-Mera. Bensoleimani.com $5000 and the Rossmore tied at 3 - 3.

The designers continued the second period pressure into the third as Alberdi counted another penalty three award along with a field goal. The lone Highwood goal came from Rodriguez-Mera with another 40 yard free-throw conversion and Bensoleimani.com won their second skin and now had banked $10,000 and led the Rossmore at 5 - 4.

Following the Sophia halftime divot stomp, play in the fourth chukker opened up considerably and was all Highwood as Rodriguez-Mera scored three field goals with nary a reply from the rug merchants. The addition of the $5000 gave the Canadian crew $10,000 and a Rossmore lead of two at 7 - 5.

The Soleimani group recovered in the fifth period as Alberdi counted another penalty three award along with a field goal and Von Wernich counted one from the field. Highwood kept it close with a pair of 40 yard open goal counters from Rodriguez-Mera but the skin was Bensoleimani.com's and gave them a total of $15,000. However, Highwood continued to lead the Rossmore at 9 - 8.

With many on hand thinking that the designers would come out strong in the sixth - they didn't. Instead the strength was with the Canadians as they took absolute control and ran over the Soleimani group to score four unanswered goals - Rodriguez-Mera with three more open goal counters - a two from the spot, a two, and a three - and another field goal from Llambias. Bensoleimani.com was powerless as Highwood grabbed the final $5,000 to even the count at $15,000 each. With the deluge, Highwood won the Rossmore Cup by a large margin at 13 - 8.

With each team winning three chukkers to split the money, the difference in the Rossmore Cup was two strong chukkers from Highwood in which they scored seven unananswered goals. As mentioned earlier, in the Skins, an even game by the money count can be - and was - much different in the overall score.

With his strong effort inside the game to move the ball to advantageous spots along with his strong defensive play, Llambias was selected as the MVP and as such, he was the recipient of a check for $2,500.

Argentina, owned and played by Rodriguez-Abbiati in the fouth was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. Along with the BPP Blanket, Argentina garnered a $2,500 award.

Ed Adams, Master of Whisky and representing Oban & Lagavulin, presented bottles of Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky to the winners.

Mike Ward, the President of the Eldorado Polo Club, was on hand to award the $5,000 Skins checks as well as the USPA Rossmore Cup to Highwood.

Tony Gregg

BENSOLEIMANI.COM - Tomy Alberdi, Santiago Von Wernich, Remy Du Celliee Muller, Ben Soleimani

BEST PLAYING PONY - ARGENTINA - Marcelo Abbiati

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - MARCOS LLAMBIAS

USPA Pacific Coast Governor's Cup - March 24

THERMAL 6
Reg Whyte 0
Bayne Bossom 2
Earnie Ezcurra 2
Felipe Sordelli 2

CENTURIONS 6
Cheryl Schindel -.5
Luis Saracco 3
Ignacio Saracco 2
Santiago Mendez 1.5

MOTHER CHUKKERS 5.5
Suzannah Forbes -1
Ignacio Deltour 4
Dayelle Fargey 2
Catlin Dix .5

BUSH LEAGUE 6
Virgil Kyle .5
Ryan Robertson .5
Ulysses Escapite 4
Jose Rodriguez 1

Sat Mar 16;Centurions vs Thermal, Bush League vs Mother Chukkers
Sun Mar 17; Thermal vs Bush League, Mother Chukkers vs Centurions
Sat Mar 23; Bush League vs Centurions, Thermal vs Mother Chukkers
Sat Mar 23; Thermal eliminated in shootout
Sun Mar 24; Governor's Cup Final - Centurions vs Bush League

Centurions               2   1  d Mother Chukkers, Bush League l Thermal
Bush League           2    1  d Mother Chukkers, Thermal l Centurions
Thermal                    2   1   d Centurions, Mother Chukkers   l Bush League
Mother Chukkers      0   3   l Bush League, Centurions, Thermal

Rossmore Skins Cup -Standings March 24

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK 12
Danny Walker 2
Matthew Walker 2
Santiago Trotz 5
Jimmy Wright 3

HIGHWOOD 12
Ron Mathison 0
Francisco Mera-Rodriguez 4
Marcos Llambias 4
Mariano Gutierrez 4

Bensoleimani.com 12
Ben Soleimani 0
Santiago Von Wernich 5
Tomy Alberdi 4
Remy Du Celiee Muller 3

TWIN PALMS 12
Chris Maloney 1
Graham Bray 3
Ruben Coscia 4
Ulysses Escapite 4

Fri Mar 15; Farmers & Merchants vs Twin Palms, Bensoleimani.com vs Highwood
Sun Mar 17; FMB vs Bensoleimani.com, Twin Palms vs Highwood
Fri Mar 22; Twin Palms vs Bensoleimani.com, Highwood vs FMB
Sun Mar 24; Polo Skins Game - Bensoleimani.com vs Highwood

Bensoleimani.com   3  0  d Highwood, FMB, Twin Palms
Highwood                 2  1 d Twin Palms, FMB l Bensoleimani.com
FMB                         1  2  d Twin Palms   l Bensoeimani.com, Highwood
Twin Palms               0  3  l FMB, Highwood, Bensoleimani.com

Perfect Sunday Presented by Ketel One Botanicals

Saint Patrick's Day Sunday Polo - presented by Ketel One Botanicals – in front of a huge crowd, featured, first of all, a USPA 6 Goal Governor’s Cup tournament game followed by a USPA 12 Goal Rossmore Cup Skins qualifier.

The Governor’s Cup action featured Thermal (Reg Whyte, Bayne Bossom 2, Earnie Ezcurra 2 Felipe Sordelli 2) going up against Bush League (Virgil Kyle .5, Ryan Robertson .5, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriquez 1).

With Thermal leading after the first three chukkers (3 – 0, 3 – 2, 4 – 3), Bush League came back in the fourth period to force an overtime frame with the count tied at six. With the throw-in to start the decider inside 40 yards and right of the Thermal goal, Escapite needed only 18 seconds to score the winner. With the 7 - 6  win, Bush league remained undefeated in qualifying play.

The second game, on this perfect afternoon for polo, saw Highwood (Ron Matheson, Marcello Rodriquez-Abbiati 4, Marcos Llambias 4, Francisco Rodriquez-Mera 4) mount up against Twin Palms (Chris Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Ruben Coscia 4, Ulysses Escapite 4).

After three periods, Highwood led by a count of 7 – 3. Twin Palms came back in the fourth and early fifth and tied the score at seven. However, Highwood regrouped and rode to a 12 – 7 victory.

With the Ketel One Botanical ladies present, players were presented with Ketel One Botanicals after both games.

Tony Gregg

Bush League Victorious in March 6 Goal

BUSH LEAGUE - Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Jose Rodriguez, Ulysses Escapite

The final game of the March 6 Goal League featured Palm Desert (Dan Horn, Malia McCoy 1, Joseph Stuart 3, Alonso Andrade 1) lining up against Bush League (Virgil Kyle .5, Ryan Robertson .5, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1). For Bush League it was to be a warm-up event for the USPA 2019 Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup – a tournament they won in 2017 with the same roster.

With a handicap award of one-half goal, Palm Desert started quickly as Stuart scored early. Rodriguez and Kyle replied for Bush League and the first ended with the minor leaguers leading by the handicap difference at 2 – 1.5.

The Bush League lead increased in the second via a penalty one call against Palm Desert but was short lived as Stuart scored his second and Andrade counted one as well. At the half, it was Palm Desert up at 3.5 – 3.

The third was a back and forth as Bush League counted three times – Escapite twice (one penalty 4) and Robertson – and Palm Desert two times – Stuart and Andrade (a penalty 3). Going to the final frame Bush League led again at 6 – 5.5.

Kyle scored the only goal of the fourth period and that would be enough as Escapite did a masterful job of running down the clock that prevented any kind of comeback by Palm Desert. The result was a 7 – 5.5 win for Bush League.

Escapite, always organized and influential, was selected as the MVP.

Blackjack, owned by Dayelle Fargey and Abby Riggs and played by Escapite in the fourth, earned the title of Best Playing Pony.

Tony Gregg

Ulysses Escapite - MVP

Best Playing Pony - BLACK JACK Played by Ulysses Escapite, Owned by Abby Riggs & Dayelle Fargey

Bensoleimani.com Takes Beal 12 Over Chateau d'Esclans

BENSOLEIMANI.COM - Tomy Alberdi, Remy Mueller, Ben Sloeimani, Santi Von Wernich

The USPA Carlton and Keleen Beal Cup 12 Goal final turned out to be a game of split momentum for five chukkers and then then a battle to the finish the sixth.

From the start, Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Tomy Alberdi 4, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3) took control over Chateau d’Escalns (Ron Mathison, Marcos Llambias 4, Francisco Rodriguez-Mera 4, Patrick Uretz 4 – sub for inj Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati 4) with immediate and sustained pressure. The result was two goals from Alberdi – one from the field and a penalty three conversion to lead after one at 2 – 0.

The early second saw the momentum stay with the designers as Du Celiee Muller and Von Wernich each scored singles to lead by four. However, the late second saw a switch in momentum as Chateau d’Esclans recovered to find pressure of their own that was rewarded with a spot penalty two opportunity that was easily converted by Rodriguez-Mera and the second was over with Soleimani.com up by three at 4 – 1.

The switch in strength to favor the vintners continued into the third frame as Rodriguez-Mera counted two goals – another free hit from 10 yards and a field goal to narrow the deficit to just a goal at 4 – 3 going into the Sophia Halftime Divot Stomp.

The fourth period featured continued momentum for Chateau d’Esclans as Rodriguez-Mera counted a pair of open goal strikes and a spectacular neck shot from 65 yards and well to the right – the announcer’s shot of the day – to now lead for the first time in the game. At this point, it appeared that the vintners were on their way. Not quite as Bensoleimani.com was able to stop the six goal run as Alberdi scored on a massive penalty four effort. Notwithstanding, Chateau d’Esclans led after the frame by a count of 6 – 5. This was the vintners first lead at the end of a chukker.

With the penalty strike in the fourth, the momentum was now firmly back in the camp of Bensoleimani.com in the penultimate stanza as Alberti made three more goals  – two open goal awards and one from the field. Chateau d’Esclans were able to stop the four goal run with Rodriguez-Mera launching a 60 yard penalty conversion of his own. However, the designers led again at 8 – 7 going to the final.

With scoring runs of four, six, and four again, momentum had indeed been a factor for both teams coming into the sixth period. The final frame, however, saw back and fourth scoring  - all field goals - as Alberdi counted his seventh of the game to lead by two. Rodriguez-Mera brought Chateau d’Esclans back to within one but Von Wernich gave the Soleimani group another lead of two. Uretz then scored, to once again bring the winery to within one. But that would be it for the vintners and Alberdi counted another to give Bensoleimani.com the 2019 Beal Cup by a final count of 11 – 9.

With his strong play and superb foul shooting abilities, Alberdi was chosen as the MVP and Felina, played by Rodriguez-Mera in the sixth wore the Best Playing Pony cooler back to the barn.

Recent Polo Hall of Fame inductee Karlene Beal Garber, along with her husband Dick, was on hand to present the awards.

Tony Gregg

MVP - Tomy Alberdi

Best Playing Pony - FELINA Francisco Rodriguez Mera

March League 6 Goal - Teams/Standings Mar 10

THERMAL 6
Reg Whyte 0
Bayne Bossom 2
Earnie Ezcurra 2
Felipe Sordelli 2

PALM DESERT 6
Dan Horn 0
Joseph Stuart 3
Malia McCoy 1
Luciano Vazquez 2

MOTHER CHUKKERS/TIMING 6
Suzannah Forbes -1
Nicole Ball 0
Ignacio Deltour 4
Rodrigo Salinas 3

BUSH LEAGUE 6
Virgil Kyle .5
Ryan Robertson .5
Ulysses Escapite 4
Jose Rodriguez 1

Sat Mar 2; Thermal vs Palm Desert, Bush League vs Mother Chukkers/Timing
Sun Mar 3; Palm Desert vs Bush League, Mother Chukkers/Timing vs Thermal
Sat Mar 9; Bush League vs Thermal, Palm Desert vs Mother Chukkers/Timing
Sun Mar 10; Palm Desert vs Bush League

Bush League             3   0   d Mother Chukkers/Timing, Palm Desert, Thermal
Palm Desert              2   1   d Thermal, Mother Chukkers/Timing l Bush League
Thermal                     1   2   d Mother Chukkers/Timing l Palm Desert, Bush League
Mthr Chkrs/Tmng      0   3   l Bush League, Thermal, Palm Desert

Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup 12 Goal - Standings Mar 10

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK 12
Danny Walker 2
Matthew Walker 2
Santiago Trotz 5
Jimmy Wright 3

HIGHWOOD 12
Ron Mathison 0
Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati 4
Francisco Mera-Rodriguez 4
Marcos Llambias 4

Bensoleimani.com 12
Ben Soleimani 0
Santiago Von Wernich 5
Tomy Alberdi 4
Remy Du Celiee Muller 3

TWIN PALMS 12
Chris Maloney 1
Graham Bray 3
Ruben Coscia 4
Ulysses Escapite 4

Fri Mar 1; FMB vs Highwood, Bensoleimani.com vs Twin Palms
Sun Mar 3; Highwood vs Bensoleimani.com, Twin Palms vs FMB
Fri Mar 8; Twin Palms vs Highwood, FMB vs Bensoleimani.com
Sun  Mar 10;Bensoleimani.com vs Highwood

Bensoleimani.com    3   0   d Twin Palms, Highwood, FMB
Highwood                 2   1   d FMB, Highwood l Bensoleimani.com
FMB                          1   2   d Twin Palms l Highwood, Bensoleimani.com
Twin Palms               0   3   l Bensoleimani.com, FMB, Highwood

Centurions Narrowly Win 4 Goal Constitution Cup

With the USPA Fish Creek 4 Goal Constitution Cup final – played at southern California’s Eldorado Polo Club - set as a match-up between the Centurions (Cheryl Schindel -.5, Lesley Tims -.5, Luis Saracco 3, Ignacio Saracco 2) and CedarCreek (Nicholas Wilhem -1, Alex Green -.5, Ashton Wolf 3, Diego Cossio 2), it was determined by a great many that the Romans would easily emerge as the victors. As everyone now knows, that most certainly was not the case as CedarCreek were more than prepared to play hard nosed polo from the outset.

The prognosticators were comfortable after the first period as the Centurions – having to give up a half goal on handicap - led at the end by a count of 2 - .5.

However, the second was much different as the management group sharpened their pencils and went to work. With constant pressure, the result was CedarCreek outscoring the Centurions by a pair and led at the half with a count of 3.5 – 3.

Continued and genuine force by CedarCreek in the third period saw their lead increase with a score now of 5.5 – 3.

Needing to step up in order to win, the Centurions did in the final frame as they outscored CedarCreek by three goals to barely squeeze out a victory with a final count in their favor of 7 – 6.5 to become the USPA Fish Creek 4 Goal Constitution Cup champions for 2019.

Ignacio Saracco led the scoring for the victors with four goals, Luis Saracco had two (one foul) and Tims, with a great move, attained the game winner with little time left to go.

CedarCreek counters – besides the handicap award - came from Wolf with four open goal conversions and Cossio provided two from the field.

In a great return to Eldorado, Ignacio Saracco earned the title of MVP and Maga, played by Saracco and owned along with his brother Luis, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

Tony Gregg

Maga - Igancio & Luis Saracco

Antelope Jr. Wins 12 Goal Constitution Cup

During the qualifying games of the Fish Creek Constitution Cup, Grant Palmer’s Antelope Jr. foursome (Grant Palmer 0, Felipe Vercellino 6, Jose Ignacio Martinez 3T, Peter Blake 3) started out very strong with four wins but then lost their next two games. The losses notwithstanding, the young Palmer group finished at the top and won a semi-final game to earn a spot in the final.
The opposition in the decider would come from Bensoleimani.com (Ben Soleimani 0, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Tommy Alberdi 4, Joseph Stuart 3), who started the competition slowly and improved as the tournament continued and arrived as a worthy foe. In fact, they defeated the young pronghorns in qualifying play.

On a superb afternoon - presented by Ketel One Botanicals - the early play, while fast, featured little scoring. The first goal came from Soleimani on a run from center on a perfect setup. Vercellino replied for Antelope Jr. to tie the count but Alberdi crushed a 60 yard award and the first ended with Soleimani.com leading at 2 – 1.

Von Wernich scored the only goal in a rather choppy second period to now lead by a pair at 3 – 1.

If the play didn’t open up in the third period, the scoring certainly did as the designers extended their lead. Soleimani counted his second on another nice run and Alberdi grabbed one from the field and another perfectly executed penalty four. The reply from the Palmer group saw Martinez and Vercellino convert open goal opportunities and Soleimani.com led by three at 6 - 3.

The fourth allowed the junior pronghorns to come within one as Vercellino scored twice - a penalty four and a number two. However, Stuart converted a 30 yard free-throw to lead again by two at 7 – 5.

Antelope Jr. opened up the fifth and took the lead for the first time. Martinez scored twice from the field and Vercellino scored his fourth penalty counter and added a field goal to lead by two. Alberti narrowed the gap to one with his second field goal and Antelope Jr. led 9 – 8 going to the final chukker.

In a tension filled closing stanza, the designers were not able to get even as Vercellino converted another open goal offering to now give the junior squad a two goal advantage. Alberti then scored on a penalty two from the spot to narrow the gap to just one at 10 – 9. Notwithstanding, continued pressure from the young pronghorns lead to Vercellino’s second penalty four conversion of the afternoon which ensured the win and Antelope Jr – this time defeating Bensoleimani.com - had won the 2019 USPA Fish Creek Constitution Cup by a final count of 11 – 9.

Martinez, with his strong supporting play in the middle, was selected as the MVP and Vienna, owned by Soleimani and played by Von Wernich in the second, was awarded the Best Playing Pony blanket.

Tony Gregg